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From Chronicles of England, France and Spain and the Surrounding Countries, by Sir John Froissart, Translated from the French Editions with Variations and Additions from Many Celebrated MSS, by Thomas Johnes, Esq; London: William Smith, 1848. pp. 550-563.
CHAPTER XX. — THE ENGLISH RECOVER SEVERAL STRONG CASTLES FROM THE FRENCH IN THE BOURDELOIS.
THE lord Neville and the English knights, on the morrow, gave orders for the assault being renewed: the trumpets sounded for the attack, and each company advanced to the fort St. Leger, when it began marvellously fierce. That fort is situated on a rock which cannot easily be approached, and the weakest side is defended by wide ditches. The assailants laboured hard, but got nothing except many killed and wounded. That attack ceased; when they thought it most advisable to fill up the ditches as well as they could, that they might gain more advantage in their next assault. Having filled up the ditches with much difficulty, the Bretons who were within the fort began to be more alarmed than before, and not without reason; so they entered into a treaty. The lords from England, being as anxious to assist the king of Navarre as to recover several places which the Bretons held on the Bourdelois, readily listened to their proposals. The fort of St. Leger was surrendered, on condition that the garrison should depart without danger to themselves or fortunes, and be conducted whither they chose to go. Thus was the fort of St. Leger won by the English; when the principal lords went into Mortain, and found there the souldich de l’Estrade and his party in the manner the herald had described them. He was immediately accommodated suitably to his rank, and the castle re-victualled and reinforced with fresh troops. They then returned by the river Garonne to Bordeaux the same way they had come.
When these knights were recruiting themselves in Bordeaux, they learnt that a baron held a fort called St. Maubert, six leagues distant, in Medoc, from whence he much harassed the country. They embarked on the Garonne great provision of stores and artillery, and, having mounted their horses, marched by land to St. Maubert, with about three hundred spears. The Gascons who accompanied lord Neville in this expedition were, sir Archibald de Greilly, the lords de Roussy, de Duras, and de Tournon. On the arrival of these barons with their forces before St. Maubert, they encamped, and soon after began an assault, which at the onset was very severe; for the Bretons who were in St. Maubert were men of 551 courage, and had for their captain a person called Huguelin, round whom they rallied, and by whose advice they acted with vigour.
These first attacks did no harm to the Bretons; when the English retired to their quarters, and on the morrow erected their engines to cast stones, in order to break through the roof of the tower in which they resided. On the third day they ordered an assault, and said such a ruffianly crew could not hold out much longer. This attack was sharp, and many were slain; for never did men defend themselves better than these Bretons: however, seeing that no assistance was likely to come to them, they entered into a treaty: for they found they would never be left in quiet until they were conquered. Treaties were concluded between them and the lords of the army, that they should surrender St. Maubert, and march out without any damage to themselves or fortunes, and should retire into Poitou, or wherever they chose, and be conducted thither.
When lord Neville had gained St. Maubert, he had it repaired, re-victualled, and provided with artillery: he placed therein Gascons to guard it, and appointed a squire from Gascony, called Peter de Prefias, governor, and then returned to Bordeaux. The English at Bordeaux received daily information that Pampeluna in Navarre was besieged, under the conduct of the infant of Castille; but they neither heard from the king of Navarre nor that king from them, which very much displeased him. We will now return to the affairs of Brittany and Normandy, and tell how the siege of St. Malo continued.
CHAPTER XXI. — THE MINE WHICH THE ENGLISH HAD MADE AT ST. MALO FAILS; IN CONSEQUENCE, THE SIEGE IS RAISED.
THERE were many grand attacks made by the English on St. Malo, during the siege; for they had full four hundred cannon, which fired day and night against the town and castle. The governor, whose name was Morfonace, a valiant man at arms, was resolved to defend it well, aided by the councils of sir Hervé de Malatrait, the lord de Combor and the viscount de la Belliere, and had so far succeeded that there was not as yet any apparent damage. In the adjacent country, as I have before said, was the flower of France, as well great lords as others; they amounted to sixteen thousand men at arms, knights and squires, with upwards of one hundred thousand horses. They were as willing for the combat as the English could be; but each of them fought to have an advantage: what, however, prevented this from happening several times was the large river, when the tide was in, between the two armies, which hindered them from attacking each other. The mine was advancing, of which the inhabitants of St. Malo had some suspicions. In such large armies as these, it was not possible but that the foragers of each should frequently have rencounters, in which fortune favoured sometimes one party, and sometimes the other; for there were very expert and youthful knights of each army who sought for such exploits. The miners of the duke of Lancaster laboured hard at their work day and night, to carry it under the town and throw down part of the walls, so that the men at arms and archers might easily gain an entrance.
Morfonace and the knights in the town guessed what they were about, and knew well that if they should succeed they were ruined. They did not fear their other assaults, for the town was well provided with all sorts of stores and artillery for two years, if necessary: wherefore they considered how they might best counteract this mine. After having long consulted, they succeeded in their attempt: it was in some sort accidental, for things fell out with extraordinary good fortune for them.
Richard, earl of Arundel, was on guard one night with his people, but he was very inattentive to obey the orders he had received, of which the garrison was informed by their spies or otherwise. When they had fixed on an hour in which they imagined the army (trusting to lord Arundel’s want of vigilance) would be fast asleep, they sallied from the town very secretly, and advanced to where the miners were at work, who had little more to do to complete their mine. Morfonace and his company, being prepared to accomplish their enterprise, destroyed the mine at their ease; and some of the workman who were within were never seen afterwards, as the mine fell upon them.
552When they had finished this business, they said they would awaken the guard next the town, in order that they might know with what success their gallantry had been crowned. They advanced to one of the wings of the army, shouting their war-cry, cutting down tents, and slaying all they met, so that the whole army was seriously alarmed. Morfonace and his companions retreated into St. Malo without any loss; during which time the English armed themselves, and advanced in front of the duke’s division, who was much astonished at this event: he demanded how it could have happened, when they informed him, that by the negligence of the guard, the mine had been destroyed, and they had suffered a great loss. Upon this, the earl of Arundel was sent for and sharply reprimanded by the duke of Lancaster and earl of Cambridge for his neglect: he excused himself as well as he was able, but was so greatly ashamed that he had rather have lost several thousand pounds. After the destruction of the mine, the principal chiefs held a council to determine how they should act. They saw they had lost the season of the year, which was not to be regained; for should they attempt another mine, winter would come before it could be finished; they therefore resolved, taking all things into consideration, that their wisest plan would be to break up their camp and return to England. Orders were, in consequence, issued by the duke and the marshals for the army to decamp, and embark on board their fleet in the port of St. Malo. This order was soon obeyed; and, having a favourable wind, they made sail for Southampton, where they arrived. On disembarking, they learnt that sir John Arundel, the governor of Southampton, was gone to reinforce the garrison of Cherbourg.
Thus was this army dispersed, when some re-crossed the seas, and others returned to their own country. The common people in England began to murmur against the nobles, saying they had that year done little good in suffering St. Malo to escape them: in particular, the earl of Arundel found no favour with them. We will now leave the English, to speak of the French and of Cherbourg.
SOON after the English had retreated from St. Malo, and the French had reinforced the town and castle, the constable of France resolved to march and lay siege to Cherbourg; of which place sir John Harlestone was governor, who had with him many knights from England and Navarre. The whole army, however, did not march thither; for the dukes of Berry, of Burgundy, of Bourbon, the count de la Marche, the dauphin of Auvergne, with other chiefs and great lords, sent back their troops to their different countries. Several went to pay their respects to the king at Rouen, who very graciously received them. The Bretons and Normans advanced to Valognes, three leagues from Cherbourg, where they erected small forts. They knew well that sir John Arundel had reinforced the garrison, and they supposed he was still there.
Between Cherbourg and Valognes are large forests, even as far as Coutances. The garrison between Cherbourg could sally forth, and make excursions over the country as often as they pleased, for there were in these forests well-hedged roads, which prevented them from being attacked, and Cherbourg is one of the strongest castles. The garrison of Valognes were exceedingly vexed that they could not hurt the English, by harassing the country. Sir Oliver du Guesclin, brother to the constable, imagined that if he could, by means of the forest, approach in a cunning way near to Cherbourg, to reconnoitre it; particularly if he could any how besiege it; or if at least he could seize the town, which lies at some little distance from the castle, he would so strongly fortify it that the garrison could not quit or enter the castle without great loss.
Sir Oliver determined to try this project; and taking with him about fifteen lances and guides who were acquainted with the roads through the forest, he set out one morning from Valognes, continuing his march until he had passed through the forest opposite to Cherbourg. That same day sir John Arundel had visited the town to amuse himself, and had brought with him a squire of Navarre, called John Coq, to show him the town. He 553 was there informed that the French were at hand reconnoitring the place. “My lord,” said John Coq, “I have heard that sir Oliver du Guesclin, the constable’s brother, has passed the wood, and is examining our castle: for God’s sake, let him be pursued. I think I can conduct you in such a manner that he must fall into our hands, so that we may conquer them all.” “By my faith,” replied sir John, “I am very willing so to do.” Having armed themselves secretly, they mounted their horses, in number about one hundred lances, picked men, and set out from Cherbourg, entered the forest without the French knowing anything of the matter, and rode on. Sir Oliver, finding the place of such strength as to make it impossible to besiege it, took the same road to Valognes by which he had come. He had not marched three leagues before sir John Arundel and John Coq, with their companions, who had been very exactly conducted, charged them, shouting “Our Lady for Arundel!” When sir Oliver heard this cry, and saw them advancing, he wished himself in Valognes: he therefore mounted a fleet courser, in hopes of saving himself, for he found the parties were too unequal for combat; and his people dispersed themselves in the forest. Too few kept together. John Coq, like to a valiant man at arms, pursued sir Oliver so closely that at last he made him his prisoner: there were also ten or a dozen more taken; the remainder saved themselves among the trees, and returned to Valognes as well as they could, and related to sir William des Bordes how they had fallen into an ambuscade, and that sir Oliver, with the remainder of their companions, had been made prisoners.
The knights and squires at Valognes were greatly hurt at this, but help it they could not. Sir Oliver du Guesclin was conducted by the garrison to the castle of Cherbourg, where he was told his ransom would be at least ten thousand francs. This capture was great news for England; and the business continued thus for a considerable time. Sir Oliver du Guesclin remained prisoner in Cherbourg, under the guard of John Coq who had taken him; but sir John Arundel had all the profit: he ransomed sir Oliver and those who had been captured with him, but not immediately. When the garrison of Cherbourg had been 554 reinforced, sir John Arundel returned to Southampton, of which place he was governor. There remained with sir John Harlestone in Cherbourg some English knights; such as sir John Copeland, sir John Briole, sir Thomas Pigourde, and several knights and squires; who so carefully guarded it that no damage was done. We will now leave for a while Cherbourg, and speak of lord Neville, the séneschal of Bordeaux, sir Thomas Trivet, with others their companions, and show how they prospered.
CHAPTER XXIII. — THE FRENCH GARRISON OF BERSAT* IS DEFEATED. — THE TOWN SURRENDERS TO THE ENGLISH. — THE KING OF NAVARRE COMES TO BORDEAUX, TO SOLICIT AID FROM THE ENGLISH.
THE lord Neville, who resided at Bordeaux, had had good information that the infanta of Castille, with a large army of Spaniards, was besieging the good city of Pampeluna, and that the viscount de Chastillon, the lord de l’Escut, Raimond de Rameren, with several others, were shut up in it; but he had no intelligence of the king of Navarre, nor where he kept himself, which very much astonished him: he supposed, however, that he should soon hear from him. The inhabitants of Bordeaux and the adjacent countries entreated him not to quit those parts, nor to send away any of his men at arms, so long as the Bretons should hold any forts near them: they informed him particularly how the garrison of Bersat very much harassed the country of the Bourdelois. To the inquiries of the lord Neville, how many Bretons there might be in Bersat; they answered, there were full five hundred fighting men. Upon this, he called to him the séneschal des Landes and sir William Scrope, and said to them: “Take two or three hundred lances, with as many archers, and march to Bersat, and manages so as to free the country from that garrison; when we will afterwards turn our thoughts to things of greater importance.”
These two knights wished nothing more than to obey the orders they had received; and, collecting their men, they crossed the Garonne, and marched towards Bersat. The same day the English had left Bordeaux, the garrison of Bersat had made an excursion, with about six score lances: they had ascended the river Garonne in hopes of meeting some boats, and were under the command of a knight from Perigord, called sir Bertrand Raimond, a good man at arms. About a short league from Bersat, the two parties of English and French came suddenly in sight of each other. When sir Bertrand saw that a combat was unavoidable, he was in no way alarmed, but gave proper orders to his men, who were almost all Gascons, and drew them up in handsome array.
The English charged them with couched lances, spurring their horses until they were in the midst of them. On the first shock, many were unhorsed on each side, and several gallant deeds done. At last, however, the French Gascons could not maintain the fight; for there were too many against them, who were likewise chosen men. The party from the garrison of Bersat were either slain or made prisoners; very few escaped. Sir Bertrand Raimond and sir William Hemon were among those taken. The English then rode on towards Bersat. When the garrison found that their party had been defeated, they were thunderstruck, and surrendered the place upon their lives being spared. Thus did Bersat become English; and the detachment returned to Bordeaux. At the same time the English returned to Bordeaux (the night of All-Saints, in the year 1378), the king of Navarre came also thither, without being expected. The English received him most honourably; and, after they had lodged him and his attendants commodiously, they asked what news from his country and of the Spaniards, for they had received orders to make such inquiries. He fully answered their questions, by saying that the infant John of Castille had besieged Pampeluna with a large army, and had much constrained those who were within it. He therefore entreated them, in conformity to the orders they had from the king of England, to make themselves ready to assist his people, and to raise the siege. The English knights replied they were perfectly willing, and through no negligence on their part should the siege fail to be raised; 555 that they would prepare everything speedily, but added, “Sir, you will return to your country, and issue out a special summons to your people; for we will be with you on a fixed day, when we shall be altogether in greater force: besides, your people know the country better than we do.” The king of Navarre replied that they spoke well, and what they had proposed should be done. After this, he remained with the English but three days, when he took his leave, and left the city of Bordeaux, returning home by sea; for there were, in the neighbourhood of Bayonne and the city of Dax in Gascony, several fortresses in the hands of the Bretons. The king of Navarre safely arrived at the town of St. Jean, where he resided.
* “Bersat,” — a small town of Limousin, diocese of Limoges.
CHAPTER XXIV. — THE INFANT OF CASTILLE BESIEGES PAMPELUNA. — SIR THOMAS TRIVET, IN CONDUCTING SUCCOURS TO THE KING OF NAVARRE, TAKES SEVERAL PLACES IN GASCONY FROM THE FRENCH.
DURING the time the king of Navarre was at Bordeaux, and since his return to his own country, John of Castille, son of the king of Spain, with the constable of Castille, who was the chief of this war, and whose name was don Pedro de Manriquez, had besieged the good city of Pampeluna with a large force.
With them were the count don Alphonso, the count de Medina, the count de Manons, the count de Ribede, Peter Ferrand de Falesque, Peter Goussart de Modesque, and several other barons and knights from Spain, with their troops*.
These Spaniards, on their march towards Pampeluna, had taken and burnt the town of Lorwich and the city of Viana, on this side Logrono; and there was not a lord in Navarre who dared to show himself before them, but each remained shut up in his castle. The king of Navarre knew well all this, for he had continually messengers coming and going, but he could not do anything without the assistance of the English.
Lord Neville†, who resided at Bordeaux, whither he had been sent by the king of England and his council, was informed of all the treaties between the two kings, and that it was incumbent on him to fulfil them. Having considered the matter, he called to him sir Thomas Trivet, a very valiant knight, and said to him, “Sir Thomas, you know that we have been ordered hither to guard the frontiers of this country, to drive out our enemies, and to assist the king of Navarre, who has been lately here, and told us how much he was in want of our help. You were present when I promised his assistance. This must be done, or we shall be blamed. Therefore, my dear friend and companion, I appoint you leader of the troops I shall send to this war, and now order you to march thither with five hundred lances and a thousand archers. I shall remain where I am, being séneschal of Bordeaux, under the orders of the king of England; for I must pay attention to what passes here, as this whole country is not very secure against our enemies.” “My lord,” replied sir Thomas, “you do me more honour than I deserve: I will obey your orders, as in justice I ought to do, and will acquit myself in this business to they utmost of my power.” “Of that, sir Thomas,” answered lord Neville, “I am perfectly assured.”
Sir Thomas Trivet made no long delay, but, having completed his preparations, set out from Bordeaux with his complement of men at arms and archers, taking the road towards Dax in Gascony. There were with him William Condone, sir Thomas Berton, sir John Affulée, sir Henry Paule, sir William Croquet, sir Louis Malin, sir Thomas Fourque, and sir Robert Haston, all Gascons. When this army was arrived at the city of Dax, they received intelligence that the king of Navarre was at St. Jean du Pied des Ports, there assembling his men at arms. This news was very pleasing to them. Sir Matthew Gournay‡, uncle to 556 sir Thomas Trivet, was governor of Dax, who received his nephew and his companions very agreeably, and helped them to find out lodgings. Sir Thomas’s intentions were to have continued his march without halting: but sir Matthew Gournay said to him, “Fair nephew, since you have with you so large a force, let us free this country from the Bretons and French, who hold at least a dozen fortresses between this place and Bayonne; otherwise, you leave them in your rear, and they may do us much mischief the ensuing winter. If you consent, the country will thank you, and I entreat it of you.” “By my faith,” replied sir Thomas, “I am very willing.” Soon after this conversation, he set about the business, and, drawing out his forces in the plain, marched towards a fort called Montpin, which was in the possession of the Bretons. A squire from the county of Foix, whose name was Taillardon, was governor of it.
On their arrival, the English began a very severe attack. The fort was stormed, and all in it put to the sword except Taillardon, who was made prisoner. After having placed in the castle a new garrison, they marched away, and came before another, called Carcilhat, which the Gascons held. They immediately commenced an assault, but not gaining it directly, they encamped. On the morrow, they renewed the attack with so much vigour that it was taken, and all within slain except the governor, who was from Lower Brittany, and called Yvonnet Aprisidly: he was given to the English as prisoner, and the castle burnt. They then marched towards another fort, called Besenghen, of which a Gascon squire was governor, whose name was Roger de Morelac. The English were two days before they could win it, which was at last done by capitulation: the garrison marched out in surety, and each man returned to his home.
From this castle they came before Tassegnon, which is situated three leagues from Bayonne, and laid siege to it. The Bayonnois were much rejoiced when they heard of this; and they were joined from that town by full five hundred men with lances and shields, bringing with them the larges of their warlike engines. The garrison of Tassegnon having done so much harm to those of Bayonne made them thus desirous of their destruction; but they would never have succeeded had it not been for the judgment and advice of the English: yet with all their united force they were fifteen days before they gained it, which was done by capitulation, on the garrison marching out in safety under passports from sir Thomas Trivet, who had them escorted as far as Bregent, which belonged to the French. The Bayonnois bought the castle for three thousand francs, and then razed it, carrying the stones to Bayonne; where the English were received with great joy, and had all things according to their wish by paying for them.
* Ferreras does not mention any siege of Pampeluna, but says the infant advanced to Gorriaz, near Pampeluna, and afterwards besieged Viana; when, having taken it, he returned to Castille. He notices only the first of the Spaniards in the text. — Vol. v. pp. 458, 459.
† Lord Neville of Raby. — Dugdale.
‡ Sir Matthew Gournay was fourth and youngest son of Thomas, one of the murderers of Edward II. He was a soldier of fortune, an able and valiant man, and séneschal des Landes (a sandy tract between Bordeaux and Bayonne). He died 26th September, 1406, and is buried at Stoke under Hamden, county of Somerset. — For further particulars, and his epitaph, see Gough’s Sepulchral Monuments, vol. ii. p. 20.
CHAPTER XXV. — SIR THOMAS TRIVET WITH THE ENGLISH COME TO THE SUCCOUR OF THE KING OF NAVARRE. — THE SIEGE OF PAMPELUNA IS RAISED.
THE king of Navarre, who resided at St. Jean du Pied des Ports, was exceedingly angry that the English were so long in coming, for his country was in great danger; and the city of Pampeluna would have been taken by the Spaniards, had it not been for the viscount de Chastillon, the governor, who had under him in all but two hundred Gascon spears, but his prudence and watchfulness prevented it.
Sir Perducas d’Albret was governor of the town of Tudela in Navarre; the count Pullois and his brother Roger commanded in the city of Miranda: a knight from Catalonia, called sir Raymond de Bageth, was governor of another strong town in Navarre, named Arques*. The king of Navarre, placing his confidence in these captains, remained at St. Jean du Pied des Ports, and left them to act as they pleased. The whole country round Pampeluna was destroyed; for none dared to oppose the Spaniards, and they concluded they must by a long siege gain the town. However, those within thought otherwise; for the viscount de Chastillon, the lord de l’Escut, and sir William de Paux, defended it so well, that the Spaniards began to be tired: winter was approaching, it being about St. Andrew’s day, and their provision was becoming scarce: for, if the viscount de Roquebertin had not reinforced 557 them with men at arms and sixty horse-loads of provision, they would have retreated at All-Saints day.
The king of Navarre sent one of his knights, called sir Peter de Bascle, to the English to entreat them, if they wished to serve him, to hasten their march; for they had too long delayed it, according to the promises they had made, and the need he had of them. The knight rode until he came into the country of Bayonne, and found the English before a castle named Poulat, to whom he delivered his message very punctually. Sir Thomas Trivet replied, that as soon as the castle he was now before was conquered, he would march for Navarre, and that the knight might return and depend on what he had said. Sir Peter went back, and two days afterwards the castle surrendered, on the garrison marching out in safety. It was re-garrisoned, and afterwards the country continued tolerably quiet. There were some other smaller bodies, who had posted themselves in churches and monasteries, that harassed the country; but they were in no great numbers. The English, therefore, declared they could no longer remain with them, but must march to Navarre to raise the siege of Pampeluna and combat the Spaniards.
Sir Thomas Trivet, sir Matthew Gournay, with their men, returned to Dax, where they halted four days: on the fifth, they departed, and took the road to Navarre. Sir Matthew Gournay marched back to the city of Bayonne with those under his command, to defend the country, and to conquer some of the small forts which the Bretons still held. Sir Thomas continued his march until he arrived at St. Jean du Pied des Ports, where he found the king of Navarre, who was right glad to see him. He lodged the knights in the town, and the men at arms found the best quarters they could in the country about. The king had, some time before, issued his summons for a large army to assemble before the city of Miranda: none dared to disobey it, and all knights and squires had in consequence prepared themselves to march to Pampeluna against the Spaniards.
News arrived at the Spanish army, that the English with a powerful force were with the king of Navarre, at St. Jean, to the amount of twenty thousand men at arms. Upon this, a council was held of the principal chiefs, to consider whether to wait for the king of Navarre, or to retreat. This was long debated; for some of the captains wished to wait for the English and Navarrois, while others were of a contrary opinion, saying they were not strong enough to meet such an army, and too much fatigued and worn down by the length of the siege. This council sat a considerable time: at last, orders were given to decamp, and make a handsome retreat into their own country. What inclined them to this was, that some valiant knights who had great experience in war, declared that their honour would not suffer any disgrace, for that king Henry, being returned into Castille, had sent, fifteen days before, orders of recal to his son, as well as for the discontinuance of the siege of Pampeluna.
The Spaniards, therefore, quitted their quarters, and when they marched off, set fire to them, taking the road to Logrono and to St. Domingo in Castille. When the inhabitants of Pampeluna saw them march away, they were much rejoiced, for they had pressed them hard. News was brought to the king of Navarre and to the English at St. Jean of the Spaniards having raised the siege, and of their retreat to their own country. They seemed as if much enraged at it, for they would willingly have fought with them. Notwithstanding this, they marched to Pampeluna, where they found the viscount de Chastillon, the lord de l’Escut, and the others, who received them with pleasure.
When these men at arms had refreshed themselves for two or three days in Pampeluna, they thought it advisable to march from thence and divide themselves in different garrisons, to gain more country: besides, the mountains of Navarre are too cold in the winter, being covered with snow. The English were, therefore, ordered to Tudela; the lord de l’Escut to Pont à la Reine†; the count Pullois and his brother Roger to Corella, and the lord de Chastillon to Mundon. In this manner were the men at arms distributed, and the king of Navarre remained in his palace at Pampeluna. The garrisons in Navarre continued in peace without manifesting any inclination to make excursions during the winter: on which account, the Spaniards dispersed, and king Henry went to reside at Seville, accompanied by his queen and children.
* “Arques,” — probably les Arcos.
† “Pont à la Reine,” — Punte à la Reyna, — appears by the map to be in Arragon.
CHAPTER XXVI. — THE ENGLISH AND NAVARROIS OVERRUN THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN. — THE EVENTS THAT BEFEL THEM THERE.
SIR THOMAS TRIVET and his companions were quartered in Tudela, and had not done any thing since their entrance into Navarre; but, hearing that the Spanish army was disbanded, they determined to make an excursion into Spain, to perform something for their pay. They made preparations for a secret expedition, and sent information of it to the count Pullois and his brother Roger, who came to Tudela with two hundred lances and three hundred shields: when they were all mustered they might be about seven hundred spears, twelve hundred archers, and as many other foot soldiers. They loaded many horses, with all sorts of provision, and, marching away, encamped, on Christmas eve, in a fair meadow by a river side at the foot of the mountain Montcain*, which separates the three kingdoms of Navarre, Castille, and Arragon: on the other side of this mountain lies a country called Val di Soria. This day the weather was very fine, and wondrous hot. When they had dined, the captains assembled in council to determine whether they should remain there Christmas-day, or attempt some warlike exploit; for they were on the borders of the enemy’s country. They resolved to march that very night, so as to arrive at the city of Soria† by dawn on Christmas-day and scale its walls.
This plan was adopted, and orders given in consequence. Three hundred lances were only to be employed; the others with the foot were to remain where they then were until the morrow, to hear the success of the enterprise. The count Pullois with one hundred lances, and sir Thomas Trivet with his troops, having guides to conduct them, were to march in four divisions and to form three ambuscades, the more secretly to execute their enterprise and the more surely to succeed in it. About two o’clock after midnight, they were armed and mounted, but without any trumpets. The captains and the guides made themselves well acquainted with the different points of the country, that they might all arrive punctually at Soria at the same time. They had ascended the mountain and advanced into the plains, when it began to snow and hail so marvellously fast that the ground was all covered, and they rode on until the morrow without meeting each other. This misfortune of the English fell out luckily for the inhabitants of Val di Soria, as they had not taken any precautions against an attack; and, had they met according to the plan laid down, they must have taken the town by escalade, without a possibility of a disappointment.
When sir Thomas Trivet and the other captains saw that their attempt had failed, they were much vexed: they collected themselves as well as they could, to take some refreshment from their sumpter horses, and then to follow the right road to Soria, according to their original intentions. As they had resolved, so did they execute; and, after a short breakfast, sir Raymond de Balge, a Navarrois, was chosen to advance before the town with forty lances, in order to draw out the javelin-men who were the guard of it. The knight rode up to the barriers, where he skirmished with the guard; for these javelin-men were full two hundred; they sallied forth instantly, and began a combat, when the others retreated by little and little to draw them further into the plain. The garrison would have very roughly treated this detachment, if their ambuscade had not advanced to their assistance: they charged the guard full gallop, with spears in their rests, so that at the first shock several were killed and wounded, and the rest driven back into the town with great loss. They immediately closed their gates and barriers, and mounted the battlements, for they expected an assault; but they were disappointed, as the English and Navarrois retreated in the course of the day, and returned to their quarters, where they had left their men.
They remained there that night; and on the morrow, which was St. Stephen’s day, they marched to a town called Quasquan‡, in Navarre, where they met the king of Navarre, who had come thither on Christmas-eve. The English, on their way to Cascante, burnt several villages, and in particular a considerable one called Nigrete, which they completely pillaged.
* “Montcain,” — probably by the map, Montcaio: it seems near to Taraçona.
† “Soria,” — a town in Castille.
‡ “Quasquan,” — Cascante, near to Tudela.
CHAPTER XXVII. — SIR THOMAS TRIVET MAKES AN EXCURSION TO THE TOWN OF ALFARO IN CASTILLE. — PEACE CONCLUDED BETWEEN THE KINGS OF SPAIN AND NAVARRE. — THE DEATH OF HENRY KING OF SPAIN. — HIS SON JOHN IS CROWNED AS HIS SUCCESSOR.
WHILST king Henry resided at Seville, in the heart of his kingdom, news was brought to him that the English had made an incursion, and burnt the town of Soria, in the name of the king of Navarre. He was much enraged thereat, and swore he would make them pay for it. He wrote letters to his son, John of Castille, commanding him instantly to issue a particular summons throughout the kingdom, and to assemble the nobles: for that he should very shortly be in Castille, to revenge himself on the king of Navarre for the excesses which he had committed. The infant neither dared nor wished to disobey the commands of his father, but immediately issued the summons.
Whilst these men at arms were collecting, and before the arrival of king Henry, sir Thomas Trivet resolved to march towards a handsome town in Spain called Alfaro. In his design, he set out one evening from Cascante, leaving there the king of Navarre, with only one hundred lances; but they were all such as he could depend on. They came near to Alfaro about day-break, and halted a league from the town, where they placed themselves in ambush. Sir William Cendrin and sir Andrew Andrac were sent forwards, with about ten spears, to alarm the place. They came to a little brook which runs before the town, and is dangerous to pass: however, Andrew Andrac and Peter Mascle, Navarrois, made their coursers leap over it, and galloped up to the barriers.
The town was exceedingly alarmed; and, having sounded their trumpets to assemble their men at arms, they opened the gates and barriers, sallied forth, and directly began to skirmish. Of these ten lances, there were only those I have named who had crossed the brook, so that, when they saw such numbers advancing, they wheeled about and leaped back again. Those of Alfaro seeing so small a number, and not suspecting any ambuscade, followed them closely, passing the rivulet a little higher up, at the ford. The ten spears allowed themselves to be pursued as far as the ambush, from whence sir Thomas and the others rushed full gallop, shouting their cry, and, charging the enemy, unhorsed several. In truth, the Spaniards, unable to withstand the English, turned about as quickly as they could: few escaped death or being made prisoners.
The alarm was great in the town, which made the English think they should be immediate masters of it, for they saw the inhabitants were as good as defeated: however, they were disappointed, for the women of the place saved it by their presence of mind. Whilst the English were crossing the brook, they closed the gates and barriers, and, having mounted the battlements over the gate, shewed every inclination to defend themselves. When sir Thomas saw them thus drawn up, he said as he was advancing, “Look at these good women: let us return back, for we cannot do any thing more.” Upon which they retreated, crossed the brook, and made for Cascante, carrying with them their prisoners. Sir Thomas Trivet acquired great favour from the king of Navarre for the success of this expedition.
About fifteen days after this affair of Alfaro, the Spaniards took the field, amounting in the whole, horse and foot, to twenty thousand men, with a good inclination to combat the English. The king of Navarre, on hearing this, went to Tudela, attended by sir Thomas Trivet and his troops, and sent orders for all the garrisons of Navarre to march thither: they willingly obeyed his orders, as they wished for nothing more than to engage the Spaniards. The Spaniards were only waiting for the arrival of king Henry, who had left Seville with a numerous attendance, and was traversing his kingdom to St. Domingo, where on his arrival he halted, and quartered his people in the adjacent plain. When don John heard that the king was come to St. Domingo, he left Alfaro, and marched thither with his army. It was the intention of the Spaniards to lay siege to Tudela and inclose the king of Navarre in it, or force him to fight.
The king of Navarre was informed of all this, and he knew that he was not strong enough to risk a battle with king Henry, who had forty thousand men, including horse and foot. There were some prelates and barons, wise and valiant men of both kingdoms, in either army, 560 who foresaw that great troubles might arise if the two kings, Henry and Charles, should mutually slay each other in battle: they therefore proposed an armistice, that they might endeavour to settle their differences: but these negotiators had much labour and difficulty before they could bring matters to an issue, for the English, who amounted to full two thousand, were haughty and bitter against the Spaniards, and advised the king of Navarre to risk a battle.
On the other hand, the Spaniards, who were very numerous, held the English and Navarrois cheap. The treaties, however, were drawing to a conclusion; and, with much difficulty, an armistice was agreed on, for six weeks, between the two kingdoms, with the intent of concluding a peace. Then negotiators proposed also that a marriage should take place between the eldest son of king Henry with a daughter of the king of Navarre, that the peace might be more solid and durable. The king of Navarre readily listened to this proposal, for he saw by it how highly his daughter would be settled. The prelates and barons of both realms, advised also that Charles, eldest son of the king of Navarre, should marry a daughter of king Henry. This was concluded; and don Henry, king of Castille, was to use his influence with the king of France, under whose guardianship Charles was, that he should be permitted to return to Navarre. This he performed; and the king of France complied with his request.
The king of Navarre, on account of these marriages, was willing to surrender, for ten years, to the king of Spain, as a security for his good faith, the towns and castles of Estella, of Tudela, and of la Guardia. King Henry consented to give up to the English sir Peter Courtenay and the lord de l’Esparre, a Gascon, who were his prisoners. All these different treaties were sealed, and sworn to be faithfully observed for ever by the two kings; and it was agreed that whoever should any way infringe them should submit himself to the judgment of the pope.
Whilst these negotiations were going forwards, the king of Navarre, who was indebted to the English twenty thousand francs, sent the viscount de Chastillon to Arragon to borrow this sum from the king of Arragon, who readily lent it to him, but took for his security the good towns of Pampeluna, Miranda, Borgo la Reyna, Corella and St. Jean du Pied des Ports. By these means, the English were paid their demands: they left the king of Navarre, well satisfied with their conduct, returned to Bordeaux, and from thence to England.
The marriage was concluded between Charles of Navarre and the daughter of king Henry: she was called Jane, and was very handsome. In this year the king of Castille died, and his eldest son, don John, succeeded him. He was crowned with the consent of all the prelates and barons of Spain, king of Castille, Seville, Gallicia and Cordova; and they swore to him, for ever, fealty and homage. About this time, war commenced between the kings of Portugal and Castille, which lasted a considerable time, as you will hear related in this history. But we must now return to the affairs of France.
CHAPTER XXVIII. — THE LORD DE MUCIDENT TURNS TO THE ENGLISH. — THE LORD DE LANGURANT IS MORTALLY WOUNDED. — THE GOVERNOR OF BOUTEVILLE IS DEFEATED, AND THE CASTLE SURRENDERS TO THE FRENCH.
YOU have before heard that the lord de Mucident had turned to the French party. He had remained at Paris for upwards of a year, until he was tired; for he had expected more from the king of France than he had received, which made him repent having changed his side. He said he had been forced so to do, and that it was not of his own free will.
He had therefore resolved to quit Paris privately, where he had too long resided, return to his own country, and then surrender himself to the English; for he preferred serving the king of England to the king of France. He acted upon this plan, and gave all his acquaintance to understand, except those of his council, that he was disgusted. One evening he mounted his horse incognito, only two persons with him, set out from Paris, and rode to his own country, where his people followed him. He continued his journey until he came to Bordeaux, where he found the lord Neville, to whom he related his adventures. 561 He attached himself to the English, and declared he would rather betray his troth to the king of France than to his natural lord the king of England. The lord de Mucident remained steady to the English ever after as long as he lived.
The duke of Anjou was much enraged when he heard of this, and swore, that if ever he could lay hands upon him, he would make his head fly from his shoulders. This was told to the lord de Mucident, who in consequence took every precaution in his power. The lord de Langurant remained steadfast to the French. He was an able and active knight, and harassed much the vassals of those who had turned to the English possessing lands adjoining to his own; such as the lords de Rosem, de Duras, de Mucident; which made these three barons very angry, and excited them to attempt all means to slay him; for he was their bitter enemy.
The lord de Langurant, being a knight eager for battle, was riding out one day attended by about forty lances: he advanced near to an English garrison called Cadillac*, which belonged to the captal de Buch and his brothers. He posed his men in ambush in a wood, telling them that he would ride alone to the castle to see if any one would sally forth against him. His men obeyed: when, riding to the barriers of Cadillac, he spoke to the guards, asking, “Where is Bernard Courant, your captain? Tell him that the lord de Langurant wishes to tilt with him; and, since he is so valiant a man at arms, he will not refuse my request for the love of his lady. If he should not consent, it will turn to his shame, and I will publish everywhere that he had refused to break a lance with me through cowardice.” One of the valets of Bernard, at that time at the barriers, replied, “Lord de Langurant, I have perfectly heard what you have said: I will go and inform my master; for cowardice shall never be a reproach to him, if you will be so good as to wait.” “By my faith,” answered the lord de Langurant, “that I will.” The valet went to his master, whom he found in his chamber, and told him what you have heard.
When Bernard heard this, his heart swelled within him, and he fiercely exclaimed, “Give me my arms, and saddle my steed, for he shall never return with a refusal.” His orders were promptly obeyed: being armed, he mounted on horseback with his lance and buckler, and, having the gates and barriers thrown open, advanced into the plain. The lord de Langurant was much pleased when he saw him: lowering his spear, he placed himself in the position of a good knight, as did his squire. They were both well mounted; and, spurring their horses, their lances struck with such force on their shields as shivered them to pieces. At the second pass, Bernard Courant gave such a deadly blow on the shoulder of the lord de Langurant as to drive him out of his saddle, and fell him to the ground. When Bernard saw his fall, he was rejoiced, and turning his horse upon him, as the lord de Langurant was raising himself up, Bernard, who had great strength, caught him with both hands by the helmet, tore it off his head, and flung it under his horse.
The troops of the lord de Langurant who were in the ambush, noticing all this, began to advance to rescue their lord. Bernard Courant perceived them, and, drawing his dagger, said to the lord de Langurant. “Surrender yourself my prisoner, lord de Langurant, rescued or not, or you are a dead man.” The lord de Langurant, who trusted to his people for assistance, was shy, and made no answer. When Bernard saw that he would not make any reply, he was inflamed with passion, and, fearing lest he might suffer from delay, struck him with his dagger on the head, which was bare, and drove it into him: then, drawing it back, he put spurs to his horse, galloped within the barriers, where he dismounted, and put himself in a posture of defence, if there should be a necessity for it. The lord de Langurant’s people, on coming to him, found him mortally wounded: they were very much enraged at it, and, having bandaged his wound as well as they could, carried him back to his castle, where he, on the morrow, expired. Such was the end of the lord de Langurant in Gascony.
At this period, a deed of arms was performed, in the Rochellois, against Heliot de Plaisac, a very amiable squire and gallant man at arms, governor of Bouteville†, an English garrison, wherein there were about six score lances, English and Gascons, who, pillaging the whole country, advanced almost daily as far as the towns of La Rochelle or St. Jean d’Angely. 562 They kept these towns in such dread that none dared to venture out but very privately, which angered greatly the knights and squires of that country. They considered well this business, and resolved either to apply such a remedy as would put a stop to it, or to lose their lives or liberties in the attempt. They collected, in the town of La Rochelle, about two hundred spears, on whom they could depend; for it was towards this town that Heliot de Plaisac made his excursions. There were now in it, from Poitou and Saintonge, the lords de Touars, de Puissances, sir James de Surgeres, sir Perceval de Coulogne, sir Reginald de Gomers, sir Hugh de Vivonne, and several other knights and squires, all well inclined to meet and combat their enemies. These lords had had information that Heliot de Plaisac was on his march towards La Rochelle, in search of prey. They gave their orders accordingly, and sallied out in the evening well armed and mounted. On their departure, they directed that the cattle should, on the morrow, be driven out to the fields to take their chance; which was obeyed.
When the morrow came, Heliot de Plaisac and his troop arrived before La Rochelle, whilst their foragers collected the cattle, and had them driven away by the peasants of the country. They had not gone more than a league before the French (who were upwards of two hundred lances) fell upon their wings, quite unexpectedly, and charged them vigorously; so that, at this first onset, several were unhorsed. Heliot de Plaisac cried out, “On foot, on foot! let no man fly, but send away the horses; for, if the day be ours, we shall have horses enow, and, if we lose it, we shall not want any.” The English and Gascons, of Heliot’s party, drew up on foot, and in good order. The French did the same, for they were afraid of their horses being wounded by the spears and swords of the enemy.
The battle then commenced. It was severe, and of long continuance; for they fought hand to hand, pushing their spears up to their guards at every thrust. Many gallant deeds were done; there was many a capture and many a rescue. However, the Poitevins and Saintongers won the field, and their enemies were either slain or made prisoners, for very few escaped: the forage was re-captured, and Heliot de Plaisac taken and carried to La Rochelle.
Shortly afterward, these lords marched to the castle of Bouteville, which was soon and easily taken, for scarcely any one was within it. Thus was Bouteville gained by the French, to the great joy of all the country round about. Heliot de Plaisac remained in prison for a long time.
* “Cadillac,” — a village in Guienne, seven leagues from Bordeaux.
† “Bouteville,” — near Cognac.
CHAPTER XIX. — SIR THOMAS TRIVET RETURNS TO ENGLAND WITH HIS COMPANIONS. — HIS HERALD RELATES TO THE DUKE OF LANCASTER THE PARTICULARS OF THE DEATH OF KING HENRY OF CASTILLE, AND THE CORONATION OF HIS ELDEST SON DON JOHN.
AT this time, sir Thomas Trivet, sir William Helmen, and the other knights who had been in Spain to the assistance of the king of Navarre, returned to England. They immediately waited on the king, who at that time resided at Chertsey: his two uncles, the duke of Lancaster and the earl of Cambridge, were with him. These knights were graciously received by the king and his lords; and many questions were asked concerning the news of the countries they came from: they told all they knew; how the war had been carried on in Spain and Navarre, and how those two kings had concluded a peace, relating exactly the articles of the treaties, and also that the king of Navarre had married his eldest son to a daughter of king Henry.
The duke of Lancaster and the earl of Cambridge were very pensive on hearing this intelligence, for they had considered themselves as heirs to all Spain in right of their wives: they inquired at what time king Henry had died, and if the Spaniards had crowned his son king. Sir Thomas Trivet and sir William Helmen answered: “My dear lords, when king Henry the bastard died, we were not at the coronation of his son; for at that time we had retreated into Navarre; but we have a herald who was present, and you may, if you please, learn from him every particular concerning it.”
563The herald was called in, and the duke desired he would relate how everything passed. He answered: “My lords, I will comply with your request, and tell you all. While these knights were at Pampeluna, waiting the conclusion of the treaties, I remained by their permission with the king of Navarre, and was much respected by him and by his people. I left Pampeluna and accompanied him to St. Domingo, where, on his approach king Henry came out to meet him with a numerous train, as a proof of his affection. The king of Navarre and his people were treated with much honour: in the evening he was entertained with a very handsome supper. While at table, news was brought that a wild boar was discovered in the adjoining moors; a hunting party was directly formed for the morrow. The two kings and their huntsmen were present; the boar was taken; and they returned to St. Domingo in the most friendly manner.
“The next day, king Henry set out for Pierreferrade*, to keep an appointment he had made with his people. He was there seized with an illness, of which he died. The king of Navarre was told of it as he was on his road to visit him: he returned back much vexed thereat. I then took my leave of him, and went to Castille to learn what was going forward. King Henry died on Whitsunday. Shortly after, on the 25th day of July, the feast of St. James and St. Christopher, John, eldest son of the late king Henry, was crowned king of Castille, in the cathedral church at the city of Burgos. All the barons and prelates of Spain, Gallicia, Cordova, and Seville were present, and swore, on the holy Evangelists, their homages to him as king. He created that day two hundred and ten knights, and made several magnificent presents. On the morrow after his coronation, he went, attended by great numbers of his nobles, to a convent of nuns, out of Burgos, which is called les Oruches, where he heard mass and dined. After dinner, there was a grand tournament; at which the viscount de Roquebertin, from Arragon, won the prize. When this was over, the king returned to Burgos, where the feasts lasted for fifteen days.”
The duke of Lancaster asked if the king of Portugal had been invited thither: the herald said, “He had been invited, but did not come; and I was informed he told the envoy who carried the invitation, that he would never attend the coronation of the son of a bastard.” “On my faith,” replied the duke, “he did well to send such an answer, and I thank him for it. Things shall not long remain as they now are. It shall soon be otherwise, for my brother and myself will call upon don John for that inheritance of which he now styles himself king.” Here the conversation ended, when they called for wine and refreshments. We will now leave this matter, and return to what was passing in France.
* “Pierreferrade.” Q. I cannot find anything like this name in the map near to St. Domingo. There is Ponferrada on the western border of Leon, but that appears to be too distant.
Denys Sauvage does not seem to understand this passage.
Moreri says, Henry died at St. Domingo.
Ferreras, in his History of Spain, says, the vulgar report was, that Henry was poisoned by means of a handsome pair of buskins, which Mahomet king of Granada sent him as a present, lest, when having made peace with the king of Navarre, he might turn his arms against him. Ferreras himself seems to doubt it. He died at Saint Domingo in Calçada, 29th May, 1374. The infant John was instantly proclaimed king, and left St. Domingo for Burgos, carrying with him the body of his father, which he deposited there, in order for its being transported to Toledo.
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